Bethel, Alaska – A former Bethel police officer has been found guilty of assault and related charges after a jury determined he used excessive force during a 2023 traffic stop and subsequently provided false information about the encounter. Jonathan Murphy, 39, faces a potential three-year prison sentence following the conviction, which stems from an incident that sparked scrutiny over police conduct and accountability in rural Alaska.
The six-day trial concluded last week with Murphy being convicted of fourth-degree assault, providing false information, and second-degree tampering with evidence, according to the Alaska Department of Law. The charges relate to a December 23, 2023, traffic stop initiated due to a report of a stolen vehicle. The case highlights the critical role of body-camera footage in documenting police interactions and challenging official narratives.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Murphy attempted to forcibly remove the driver, Bernard Mael, from the vehicle and struck him in the face. Mael drove away, leading to a pursuit that ended when officers forced his vehicle into a snowbank. Following the pursuit, Murphy and other officers broke the vehicle’s windows, deployed pepper spray, and used tasers on Mael, who was attempting to remove the taser wires while in a defensive position. Body-camera footage revealed Murphy repeatedly punching Mael in the head – more than 20 times in rapid succession – during the encounter.
Crucially, Murphy initially reported to other officers that Mael had attempted to hit him with the vehicle and implied he had been dragged, claims investigators found to be untrue after reviewing the body-camera footage. “There is no way around the fact that he lied about getting hit with a vehicle to his fellow officers…and when writing his report,” stated state assistant attorney general Erin McCarthy, according to Alaska Public Media. This false reporting formed a key component of the charges against Murphy.
Murphy resigned from the Bethel Police Department in 2024 following the start of the investigation. He briefly served with the Sitka Police Department before becoming police chief in Diamond City, Arkansas, according to the Alaska Department of Law. His current employment status is not immediately clear.
Timeline of Events: December 2023 – February 2026
The incident unfolded over a period of more than two years, from the initial traffic stop to the recent conviction. Here’s a breakdown of key dates:
- December 23, 2023: Traffic stop occurs in Bethel, Alaska, involving a reported stolen vehicle.
- 2024: Murphy resigns from the Bethel Police Department amid the investigation.
- February 12, 2026: A Bethel jury finds Murphy guilty on all three counts.
- February 17, 2026: The Alaska Department of Law announces Murphy’s conviction.
- February 19, 2026: Sentencing is scheduled to take place.
The case has also drawn attention in light of a $10 million settlement reached in December 2025 between the City of Bethel and two individuals alleging police brutality, including Bernard Mael, the victim in Murphy’s case. KYUK reported that Mael claimed Murphy’s actions resulted in permanent brain damage.
The conviction of Jonathan Murphy underscores the importance of police accountability and the potential consequences of using excessive force and providing false information. The Alaska Department of Law emphasized the significance of the body-camera footage in securing the conviction, demonstrating its value as an objective record of police interactions. The sentencing hearing on Thursday will determine the extent of Murphy’s punishment for his actions.
As Murphy awaits sentencing, the community of Bethel and the state of Alaska are grappling with the implications of this case for police reform and public trust. The outcome of the sentencing and any potential appeals will likely be closely watched by legal observers and advocates for police accountability. Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below.
